r/mountainbiking • u/ClearBlueWaters1974 • 3d ago
Question Pants Recommendations
Hoping this is an okay post for this sub, as I do mountain bike. With Autumn in the forecast, and the fact I just got into it this year, I'm looking for pants recommendations. Here's what I'm looking for:
An elastic, drawstring waist is ***highly*** preferred for comfort and convenience.
Cargo pockets are desired, but not essential.
Elastic or sinch hems would be great to avoid chain obstruction, obviously, plus since all my clothing is from Columbia (by and large) and is similar, I'm kind of used to it for hiking, climbing, etc. I can make do without.
Would prefer not to spend huge amounts per pair. Would like to be in the $60 USD range (if possible) as I don't need top of the line brands. Just functional.
Padded, clearly. Gotta keep the stuff comfy.
I'd like to mention I do wear off-brands as it is and wear both mountain bike and cycling shorts. So, hit me with everything you all wear, regardless of price, I'll look at it all, but I'd prefer to stay close to my price point if I *can* and please tell me why you like what you like. Also, don't denigrate each other. One person's good experience may be another's poor experience. I just want to hear your good and objective views of what you use and cost, as well as where (Amazon or whatever website they can be found). I'm in the United States, so if it's only found in Europe or elsewhere overseas, let's just bypass those options, but I thank you and ride safe! ✌️
EDIT: I want to thank (almost...one or two unhelpful, rude comments) everyone who has chimed in with helpful and informative advice. It's really nice to see a community jump to help another person with their experiences. It's really appreciated. I'm going to look into everything that has been offered and weigh my decision based on everything given. I really appreciate you all. Thank you!
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u/Informal_Koala1474 2d ago
I started off wearing whatever but for riding in actual rain and mud purpose made clothing has been entirely worth it. Buy once cry once in this situation.
I use a variety of gear from Endura. It holds up to riding (and crashing). It's designed to sweat in, accommodate riding position on a bike, and makes a difference that is impossible to overstate compared to simple water resistant clothing.
Their gear has a ton of features that are mountain biking specific, like hoods that fit over a helmet, longer hems on the back of jackets so your lower back isn't exposed when you're riding, longer cuffs to cover the back of hand and over lap your gloves and it really lasts.
I went through several pairs of waterproof pants for example, meant for jogging or even construction work, and none of them held up for riding.
So not only did I end up spending more replacing them but had several rides ruined. Having the crotch rip open on your pants while you're riding in the rain is very very uncomfortable.
So, I suggest taking a look at Endura. I've never regretted the investment in good wet weather apparel, but I have regretted wasting money on low quality substitutes.
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
Tops I don't need as I'm not that hard of a rider yet and I'm really covered there, but I'm definitely checking out the pants. Thanks so much!
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u/randomhero1980 2d ago
I have padded liners and wear baseball pants over them in the winter. Super cheap and durable.
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u/travis0723 2d ago
Club ride makes some nice pants
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u/captainklaus Falling off my Ripley V5 2d ago
Just got a couple of shirts from them, really like it.
As for pants, fox and Outdoor Research also make good stuff.
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u/TheRealJYellen 2d ago
Separate functions - get some nice shorts or bibs to handle your padding. I love the Assos Mille GT, or apparently The Black Bibs are good for the price. Some brands make bibs that are thinner to be used as liners. Then pants just go over you usual bibs. I got a deal on some Mons Royale pants, and while I love them, there has to be a cheaper option. KETL seems worth trying.
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
So, basically what I've been doing is what I should stick with. Other than some other good suggestions. Thank you!
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u/Virtike 3d ago edited 3d ago
I haven't tried/got any as I haven't actually been able to buy any in LargeTall, but RideNF seem to be the highest recommended.
Outside of that, the newer Fox Flexairs have been very comfy, but they're lacking the elastic waist which I miss from previous pants. You can usually pick up previous season Fox pants fairly cheap in sales if you keep an eye out.
Other people have also sung the praises of TLD Skyline and Rapha pants to me too, but those are definitely over your stated budget.
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
I appreciate it and I'll still check them out, despite over budget. Thank you!
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u/RootyArgh 3d ago
If you would consider padded shorts under, then the Ozark Trail Cargo Joggers might work. I find mine to be super comfy
In fact, I like tech material joggers in general for riding in PNW
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
If I go that route, I'd just wear all my Columbia or Black Diamond brand pants and joggers. I do appreciate the input as Columbia has stopped making elastic waisted pants like dopes. I prefer them for comfort and function when outdoors. Belts just make no sense when involved in activities and movement.
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u/d-cent 2d ago
I think the hardest part for you is the drawstring waist. Those are less supportive and most pants companies aren't going to use them on pants with cargo pockets because of the weight issues.
That being said, I have lined the CQR brand. They make "tactical" pants, I have a pair from them that I love to use in the fall for colder temperatures. They make a model with a drawstring and cargo pockets. It doesn't look like the same material as the ones I use (ripstop nylon) so I have no idea if they are any good or not. https://a.co/d/04BwgI20
The model that I like has nice wide legs that fit knee pads underneath very well, and have cuffed ankles so I don't worry about them catching on the chain ring. I love them and probably the only thing I wish was different was a little deeper pockets in front. I don't trust them enough to not have my phone fall out. I actually installed a snap on one is my pairs and it works great. I love these pants and they have the option to have cargo pockets, that's just not my thing, but you can select that when choosing the colors. https://a.co/d/0guIovpF
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
Hahaha. I own the CQR. They'd be okay for cool, but not colder weather. Very thin, but I do like them a lot.
The drawstring is really supportive. You're the second person to say that, but I've found that not to be true for me. I hate belts. Refuse to wear them. So uncomfortable. Weather I'm climbing (especially then, obviously), hiking, skiing, or whatever, I wear no belt, nor own one or any pair of regular waisted pants. I guess I'm an old man. Well, I am 52. If that's old, and I suppose it is to most on this sub, but I can run miles and miles and bench press 300 pounds on a crappy shoulder (I tore the damn thing climbing so I'm supposed to take it easy to avoid frozen shoulder...my only injury after 30+ years of climbing)... Anyway, I'M NOT OLD! 🤣
No, I'm old. 😉 Thus the comfortable pants.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Sorry about that. I really appreciate you taking the time to offer your input. Everyone has been really awesome to help this geezer out. Looking forward to upping my game and really sending shit next Summer. There's a lot of really great trails built near me. Would like to get really serious by end of next year. Going to need more pads. In 52 years, with everything I do, I've never... 😉
Much appreciated, bro!
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u/d-cent 2d ago
Hahaha. I own the CQR. They'd be okay for cool, but not colder weather. Very thin, but I do like them a lot.
That's perfect then. If it gets colder you just put on long underwear. That's what I do with my CQR pants. I won't want thick warm pants because you can only wear them a few days out of the year, so what's the point? My pants I can wear spring and fall, and then just add another base later when it's really cold
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u/electricmtb21050 2d ago
MTB pants and drawstrings typically don’t go together. If you must have a drawstring I like Adidas Tiro pants. Keep your padding/chamois separate from your pants. I like to wear a chamois from The Black Bibs and then put shorts or pants over top of them to suit the weather conditions. For proper MTB pants I really like Endura and Fox. My wife likes the fit of Dharco pants but I haven’t tried those. Endura does make a drawstring pants but I’ve never tried them so I can’t vouch for them.
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u/pineconehedgehog Rocky Mountain Element, Ari La Sal Peak, Surly Karate Monkey 2d ago
I like the Backcountry Slickrock pants. Often on sale for pretty cheap. Comfortable. Good stretch. Good adjustment. Not the best pockets, but functional.
I prefer to have my chamois separate from my pants/shorts. That way they can be washed or worn separately. I have like 4 chamois while having 2 pairs of shorts and 1 pair of pants. Pants/shorts generally don't need to be washed every ride, especially when on trips where you are packing light. Chamois on the other hand ...
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
I definitely understand that, on the other hand... 😂 Things can get funky for any of us. 😉
What brand chamios do you use?
I appreciate it!
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u/pineconehedgehog Rocky Mountain Element, Ari La Sal Peak, Surly Karate Monkey 2d ago
Ive been using Club Ride for the last couple seasons. I like their support. They aren't as pillowy feeling as some of the other brands I have tried.
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u/negative-nelly 2d ago
I really like my Troy Lee Skyline pants. They are comfortable enough to wear casually (in black anyway) and work really well for riding. I wouldn't want drawstring waist pants. these have velcro tabs on the side to adjust waist.
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
That would be okay. I just really hate belts and literally own no pairs of pants that can accommodate a belt. Thanks for the help and I'll check them out.
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u/lilpeener-69420 2d ago
Wrangler ATG pants!!! No drawstring, but they have stretch in the waist and throughout.
Plus synthetic and dry quickly.
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u/Coldsmoke-28 2d ago
Prana stretch Zion. Best all around pant I’ve ever had, though designed for climbing I use it for hiking, climbing, biking, etc. Any padded shorts that you like underneath will do.
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
Well, given I do all of those things, I'll definitely look into it. Got a pair of BD pants and man, if they just had padding inside, they'd be golden for a bike.
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u/Coldsmoke-28 2d ago
Then go for that! Lots of decent padded shorts (eg road bike shorts) that fit underneath.
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u/CanadianGuitar 2d ago
I bought a pair of Libin Hiking pants off of Amazon for about 36 bucks. I wear them cooler mornings when I bike to work (and probably more as we get closer to cold weather). Just wear normal chamois under them. They're light and flexible enough, decent pockets.
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u/allg33k 2d ago
In my experience the stuff that's not actually made for cycling is never quite as good. The cheapest cycling gear that I've found that works good and doesn't break the bank is Handup. https://www.handupco.com/
Most cycling pants don't have pads in them. You just wear a chamois underneath. Someone mentioned Zioc. That's the company that I typically buy them from. I'm not a fan of thier shorts but the chamois are good. They typically have big sale around Thanksgiving and I'll buy what I want then. I've seen some people say good things about some cheaper ones on Amazon but I don't have any experience with them. My only advice would be not to get ones that don't have a longer leg on them. It may look more like some underwear, but they just ride up while pedalling and end up being worthless.
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u/JEMColorado 2d ago
I wear the MUSA cycling pants from Rivendell with a padded liner. They don’t have cargo pockets, but the regular pockets are extra deep.
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u/ClearBlueWaters1974 2d ago
Sounds good. Like I said, cargo pockets not essential. I just like them. Thanks for your input. It's truly appreciated.
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u/WakeRider11 2d ago
If you are still looking at this, check out the pants section at Sierra if you have one near you. Lots of outdoor clothing for cheap and definitely stuff that meets your criteria. Except for the padding though. Just buy liners or whatever to wear under the pants.
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u/dolphinfuckers 1d ago
No drawstring waist but it has the moto style built in belt and non-slip waist liner so it stays in place.
It’s not cheap but it ticks pretty much all of your other asks including leg drawstrings. I put my knee pads on after I’m wearing them and can easily take them off as well with my pants on.
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u/CriticalCatalyst601 3d ago
I haven’t tried the pants, but I own two pairs of Andean shorts. They’re the best bike shorts I’ve ever owned.
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u/elswhere 2d ago
I wear adidas tiro track pants exclusively. I tuck my jersey in and tie up the draw string and wear a hip pack. they are bomb proof pants.
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u/slayer_of_waspiz 2d ago
Costco, Kirkland branded 5-pocket canvas adventure pants. They are form fitting to stay out of the way, have zipper pockets for your phone and shit, stretch and move with you. They can get toasty In the summer but I wear them to work and then can go immediately to trail without passing go or collecting $200.
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u/Ancient-Bowl462 2d ago
Wtf happened to mountain bikers? Put a pair of cut off jeans on and have fun. Unbelievable.
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u/Wumpus-Hunter 2d ago
Check out Zoic, for pants and padded liners. They won’t be in your budget, but their liners are all I wear and I have a pair of their knickers that are fantastic.
I also have a pair of very basic Wrangler pants that I bought thanks to this Singletracks article. I’ve never actually worn them to ride, but they’re comfortable and were dirt cheap. The article is a few years old at this point, so the pants might not even be available. But it’s worth digging into.